melanistic,a.|mɛləˈnɪstɪk| [f.Gr. µελαν-, µέλας black + -istic.] Characterized by melanism. 1874Coues Birds N.W. 357, I took no specimens in the melanistic state of plumage.1888O. Thomas Catal. Marsupialia Brit.Mus. 266 In the black melanistic variety every part of the body is deep black.